On August 5, 2025, at approximately 5:53 PM, a Florida Highway Patrol trooper observed a black male driving a pickup truck on the entrance ramp from US-27 onto westbound I-4. The driver was not wearing a seatbelt and had a tag obstructing the view of the state tag. The trooper attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver accelerated, leading to a pursuit. The truck reached speeds up to 110 mph in a posted 65 mph zone, disregarding traffic safety.
During the pursuit, the driver intentionally swerved, causing the truck to strike the trooper’s patrol car, which became airborne and disabled. The pursuit continued with another trooper, who performed a PIT maneuver to stop the truck. The driver fled on foot but was later apprehended. A tow truck was called, and a search revealed a black bag containing currency, jewelry, casino chips, and six cardboard boxes with approximately 150 pounds of a green leafy substance identified as marijuana.
The driver was identified as Jimmie Lavion Flournoy Jr. The trooper sustained minor head injuries and received on-scene treatment from EMS. Flournoy was booked into Polk County Jail. No bond was set.
